Rates affordability Debate

Community Wellbeing - Equality & Inclusion

Option 3

Residents supporting Option 3 emphasize the need for inclusive spending that reflects the diverse needs of all community members, including middle-class adults with pets, highlighting a desire for equitable consideration in budget allocations. Concerns are raised about the transparency and justification of specific financial policies, such as the postponement of rates on Maori Freehold land, indicating a demand for clearer communication and fair policy implementation. Additionally, there is a strong call for community-wide involvement in planning for climate-related challenges, ensuring that decisions are not disproportionately influenced by wealthier or louder voices, but are inclusive of all community perspectives.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
230.13	Spendings should reflect everyone in the community, also middle class adults without kids (but maybe animals).
828.1	Option 3 is my preferred option, not necessarily cutting back work programs, as those that you quote but withdrawing some of the more "major" projects that cost in the millions which I will cover later in the appropriate section You have to cut down somewhere as there are a lot of us residents who may not necessarily be struggling but are finding it difficult to get by. (and what about the  "Postponement of rates on Maori Freehold land) What is this all about ??
1324.1	Core service need to be maintained, and we need to have a plan in place for how the city is going to survive with the expected sea level rise and increased floods.  This needs to happen before plans are developed for revitalising the city.  What land will we have available, what areas will we need to retreat from?  Locking current and future ratepayers into the need to build bigger and better sea wall/defences is not the answer, and ignoring this issue until the future is also not acceptable.  This needs to be done with the community onside, and not just those that have more money or shout louder.